INF1310: Introduction to Reference

Background on the course

INF1310: Introduction to Reference is a requirement of the library and information science path. The objective is to provide participants with a basic understanding of reference work in libraries. Upon completion, students are able to critically evaluate and employ reference sources in different formats, and to communicate with users to identify and address their information needs. Across library programs, the design of this course is hotly debated. Specifically, there is tension between a practical versus theoretical approach, and between a social versus resource orientation; currently, I strive for a balanced treatment across any extremes.

Course overview (from the syllabus)

The academic field of library and information science and the profession of librarianship exist at the intersection of society and its recorded knowledge. At this crossroad, millions of people engaged in work, leisure, or other life projects seek information resources in print, electronic, multimedia, and human forms. The role that librarians and information specialists play to mediate access to these resources has been called reference service. INF1310 introduces the major concepts and techniques associated with reference service to prepare students for more specialized coursework and/or subsequent on-the-job learning in libraries and other information institutions.

Learning outcomes

• The location and purpose of reference service in the information landscape and in the library.

• The reference interview process: opening the interview, negotiating the question, searching for information, communicating information to the user, and closing the interview—via both in-person and virtual mediums.

• Human information behavior from an individual perspective and within different user populations.